# Elder Mythos tags: #game/rpg/elder-mythos ![[Elder Mythos (cover).jpg]] ![[Elder Mythos - Masterless and Solo Mode (cover).jpg]] _Elder Mythos_ is a tabletop roleplaying game that finally answers the age-old question: *"Why play the squishy investigator losing their mind when you can be the tentacled abomination causing the problem?"* Developed by Mana Project Studio, this game flips the script on the cosmic horror genre. Instead of struggling against the dying of the light with a revolver and a library card, players assume the roles of Lovecraftian Entities—Cthulhu, Hastur, and their eldritch kin—competing to corrupt, conquer, or shatter the world. The game runs on a hacked version of the **Year Zero Engine**, adapted to manage the scale of gods playing chess with human lives. While players bicker and backstab each other to fulfill their specific "Grand Designs," a Game Master (the "Eldritch Master" or EM) controls the nuisance of humanity—investigators, secret organizations, and annoying heroes—who try to stop the apocalypse. It is less about survival horror and more about resource management, where the "resources" are cults, monsters, and the sanity of the local populace. ## Core Resolution Mechanics The game utilizes a modified **Year Zero Engine** that relies on a pool of six-sided dice (d6). ### The Dice Pool When an Entity attempts an action—whether it's driving a city insane or manifesting a shoggoth—they build a dice pool. The size of this pool is determined by: - **Attribute Score:** The core stats of the Entity: _Fear_, _Madness_, _Dream_, and _Violence_. - **Resource Tier:** The power level of any Cults, Creatures, or Ministers used to assist. - **Entity Traits:** Unique descriptors that add a die if relevant. - **Modifiers:** Situational bonuses or penalties assigned by the EM. ### Resolution - **Success:** Rolling at least one **6**. You do the thing. The galaxy trembles. - **Catastrophic Success:** Rolling more than one **6**. You succeed so hard it causes problems. The Entity gains a **Plot Point** (the currency for cool powers), but must roll on a table for a side effect—which might be beneficial or chaotic, like sacrificing a resource or starting a conflict. - **Complication (Failure):** Rolling zero **6s**. The action fails, and the EM introduces a Complication, such as reducing a Resource's Tier or forcing the Entity to discard a Plot Point. ### Opposed Rolls Since cosmic horrors rarely play nice, conflicts between Entities (or against the EM's pesky humans) are resolved via **Opposed Rolls**. Both sides roll their respective pools; whoever rolls the most **6s** wins. Ties often result in mutual destruction or stalemates, because godhood is messy. ### Plot Points & Objectives The game is driven by **Plot Points**, which are earned by achieving objectives or rolling Catastrophic Successes. These points power the Entities' unique abilities. The ultimate goal is to acquire **Scenario Objectives** (locations on a map) by placing dice on them to "declare" intent and then rolling to "acquire" them. ## Editions and Variations Currently, there is one core edition of the rules, though it is available in different formats: - **Standard Edition:** Just the corebook. Enough to destroy the world if you have your own dice. - **Deluxe/Unspeakable Box:** Includes the corebook plus an Eldritch Master screen, a tarot-sized deck of cards (for initiative and reference), custom dice, and printed maps. - **Masterless & Solo Mode:** A supplement (included in some digital bundles or the deluxe sets) that adds flowcharts and journaling rules, allowing you to play without an EM or entirely by yourself—perfect for the aspiring deity who finds other people "tiresome." ## References - [Official Publisher Page - Mana Project Studio](https://manaprojectstudio.com/game/elder-mythos/) - [Review - No Dice Unrolled](https://www.nodiceunrolled.com/elder-mythos-review/) - [Retail Listing - Noble Knight Games](https://www.nobleknight.com/P/2148281076/Elder-Mythos-RPG-Corebook "null") - [Kickstarter Campaign Page](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/manaprojectstudio/elder-mythos-roleplaying-game "null")